Lifetime Musical Activities and Cognitive Function of the Elderly
Abstract: Decreasing cognitive
function of the elderly is one of the most common problems that might affect
their quality of life. Music is an element that is believed to be able to contribute to the
quality of life of the elderly. However, whether musical activities that are
done throughout the life span related to cognitive function is unclear. In this
research, we evaluated the association between lifetime musical activities and
cognitive function. Fifty three older adults from three nursing homes in East
Jakarta were selected and interviewed regarding their characteristics and
lifetime musical activities. Cognitive function was also measured using Mini
Mental State Examinaion (MMSE). The results of this preliminary study revealed
that a possibility of an association between lifetime musical activities and
cognitive function of the elderly was indicated. The result also showed that
the participants who were not actively involved in musical activities during
their lifetime were twice more likely to develop cognitive function impairment
than the elderly who were actively involved in musical activities, after being
adjusted by the characteristics. These correlational results suggest the
beneficial effect of musical activities throughout the life span on cognitive
functioning for the elderly.
Penulis: Alicia Nevriana,
Pandu Riono, Tri Budi W. Rahardjo, Adji Kusumadjati
Kode Jurnal: jpkesmasdd130498
